"It's the death of Tocantins River, I can feel it": deterritorialization and symbolic losses in traditional communities affected by hydroelectric of Estreito, state of Tocantins

Abstract

his article examines the symbolic loss and the deterritorialization of traditional populations affected by the building up of Estreito hydroelectric, in Tocantins River between Maranhão and Tocantins state. It shows the consequences the displacement forced by the hydroelectric building brought over a portion of population, especially the elderly, who saw their relationship with the river to disappear. The feeling of attachment to the place and symbolic losses visible in old riparians’, fishermen’s and gatherers’ oral accounts reveal a deep impact on the lives of people who’ve lost touch with nature and its surroundings. Finally, this study treats of the issue of environmental compensation as a perspective to mitigate the psycho social violence resulting from the forced displacement of traditional populations who had to relocate in rural settlements.